George Russell's near-perfect 2025 season undone by Monaco penalty
George Russell finished 99.9% of all laps in the 2025 F1 season, missing a perfect record only due to a penalty in Monaco. The statistic highlights his consistency for Mercedes as the team looks ahead to a major regulatory reset in 2026.
George Russell completed 99.9% of all possible racing laps during the 2025 Formula 1 season, a near-flawless reliability and consistency record marred only by a costly incident at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver finished every other race on the lead lap, showcasing remarkable durability in a campaign where he ultimately fell just two laps short of a perfect statistical record.
Why it matters:
In a sport where mechanical failures and on-track incidents are commonplace, completing such a high percentage of a season's laps is a significant achievement that underscores a driver's consistency and a team's operational excellence. For Russell, it highlights his growth into a dependable points-scorer for Mercedes, providing a solid foundation as the team prepares for a crucial regulatory reset in 2026.
The details:
- Russell completed 1,442 out of 1,444 total laps in 2025, a 99.9% completion rate.
- The only blemish came in Monaco, where a mechanical issue in qualifying put him on the back foot for the race.
- Stuck behind Williams cars during the race, Russell cut the Nouvelle Chicane to pass Alexander Albon, earning a drive-through penalty that left him finishing two laps down on winner Lando Norris.
- He completed every single lap at all other Grands Prix throughout the season.
The big picture:
This statistical feat comes at the end of F1's current regulatory era, which Russell described as "so tough for a lot of teams, very difficult to understand." His near-perfect lap completion, despite Mercedes' well-documented struggles with car performance and predictability at times, points to strong personal execution. It builds momentum for 2026, a season he is eagerly anticipating as a "clean slate" with completely new chassis and power unit regulations.
What's next:
Russell has made his ambitions clear, stating he is ready to battle for the drivers' championship under the new rules. His demonstrated consistency and reliability will be critical assets as Mercedes aims to return to the front of the grid. The coming season represents a pivotal reset, not just for the team, but for Russell's own championship aspirations.